The end of recess

 

It is late Sunday afternoon and there is a light rain happening.   My plans for today were to make sure the place is cleaned for the week.  It’s not in a wreck mode by any stretch of the imagination.  I mean I have been home every day for the past two weeks so it shouldn’t be too bad.  I have done laundry and made the bed and Sky promptly climbed under the blankets to sleep the day away.  He just came out of it just in time for dinner.

I have already cleaned the shower, and the bathroom sink but decided to wait until the floor dried by itself after my shower.  After waiting a few hours I finally took some rags and dried most of it.  As soon as I finish vacuuming the living room and the couch I will do it.

I have to share this (like I wasn’t?) while I took a break and waited to do the vacuuming Tiger climbed on my chest and fell asleep under my chin and slept there for at least an hour.  It’s also usually the spot where Sky sleeps when I sit on the couch.

I am going to make some spaghetti again.  I was going to make the pork loin but it needs to be defrosted.  I will cook it tomorrow and use it for lunches this week. 

Tomorrow it’s back to work after a ten day Holiday recess from the University.  Liz pointed out that I will be my first full week of work.  Unfortunately It won’t be a full week.  I have a Bone Density test in the morning.  I have an eye Dr. Appointment on Friday afternoon.  Oh I think I need to call the standard to report my hours.

So Saturday was the furniture window shopping?  We headed to the store just around 10 unfortunately it didn’t open until 11 so we went to a nearby Dunkin donuts and got coffee.  WE went back to the store and waited for the store to open so we chatted and just as liz went to move something her coffee spilled on my leg.  She offered to take me back home to change but it was dried and it I didn’t get burned.

So when the store finally opened we waited in line for a short time and met Tanisha.  We explained our needs and we started with the sofas.  For the next hour and half we looked at several  pieces and picked out a sofa,  an arm chair, a sleeper sofa and a mattress.  We were able to make a list and give it to Cheryl for her meeting today.

The rest of Saturday I was relaxing but I did a few odds and ends.  I ended up going to Aldi’s because I wanted to get some snacks for the Tuesday virtual happy hour (and for last night) and of course the coffee and milk.

Well I have somethings to do.

Looking at Furniture today

 

This is the first weekend of the New Year.  Today is going to be window shopping for furniture.  You are asking why not just buy it?   Well Lawyer man wants us to price the pieces and submit them.  Just thinking about it pisses me off but it is what it is.

So Liz will be here in about an hour and we will go to Bob’s discount Furniture and look at couches, mattress, and a couple of chairs.  Submit prices and see what he will agree to.

Once that is done my plan for the day is to clean the house.  Start and finish thank you notes that are burning a hole in my desk.  Write letters to pen pals that wrote me recently. 

The weather is meh at the moment.  It’s about 45 degrees right now and expected to get a little warmer into the 50’s.  Mild is definitely the word of the day.  According to the weather forecast we might get some sun.  It’s supposed to drop to the 30’s overnight and stay that way for the day tomorrow with a little rain.  I was later told there is a storm coming.

There is a hike for the Hiking with Friends Meetup today but I am not going to make it.  I am sure it will be okay and safe but I don’t want to risk it right now.  It is Northeast of Hartford, and about an hour’s ride from home. 

The Finding Friends Group is having a virtual Happy Hour on Tuesday.  From 5:30 to 7.  I definitely signed up for that one.  So I am really anxious to make sure the house is cleaned or organized enough to show them around even if it is on the computer. 

There is also a coffee talk on Wednesday but I don’t know if I am going to that one just yet.  Ever since the weather got colder they moved it to the Panera Bread in Guilford, CT.  The one we used to go to shut down completely.

New Year's Day 2021

 

 

Dear Debra:

                Happy 2021!  It is after midnight and I can hear fireworks being shot off somewhere in the distance.  They were being shot off earlier too.    Let’s hope this year is better and healthier than last year.  Admittedly despite the pandemic there were some good moments among the bad ones. 

                Despite my rant on Wednesday the rest of that day ended up not being too bad.  I did some cooking, called Mama Roberta, and received my stimulus check!  I texted Liz about it but she noticed she didn’t get hers.  I wasn’t even expecting one.

                Anyway, Liz suggested we go shopping yesterday for the appliances I would need or want and we would give the receipts to Cheryl who will be meeting with him on Sunday.  We also would be pricing the furniture I would need.   So that’s what we did.  We got a new micro, toaster oven,  a humidifier, a new Keurig (Mine died yesterday morning).  We didn’t get to go to Bob’s discount as Liz got over tired.  I was already fighting a headache.  Bob’s Furniture was also closing early for the holiday.  So we will go on Saturday and price the furniture and let Bob know.  As I understand it he will give me the money to purchase them.  As I write this I am not really holding my breath.  He really is making us jump through hoops to get the money.  Liz feels he is being highly inappropriate.  Making Cheryl come and speak to him.

                I don’t know if I told you that I finally sent the audit request to the lawyer, the law firm, and the person we thought Lawyer was grooming to be the trustee if Lawyer didn’t want to do it.  Well she sent me a totally useless email.    I even told Liz yesterday that the woman was totally useless.  As Liz says she wasn’t an intern or whatever.  She was a lawyer.  The woman did say she would sent the request on to Bob (duh don’t you think I did that).  Liz told me that she replied to her thanking her for the information and that was mistakenly under the impression that she was going to be the next trustee.  I am glad I won’t be having this woman as a trustee.    We will be making preparations for retaining a lawyer to get rid of trustee/lawyer.

So the rest of the afternoon and evening, I reorganized the kitchen to find spaces for the newly acquired appliances, and tried setting up the Vick humidifier but I am just not getting the instructions to set up.  I also reorganized the office/guest room.  I had to move stuff around and did some vacuuming.    At the end of the night the boxes I had in the middle of the kitchen were taken to the trash hut.  I did some laundry before the weekend started.

The cats spent their date sleeping, eating, chasing each other and begging for food.  Sky scared the socks off of me.  I found him on the ledge above the cabinets.  He must have jumped up from the counters on to the top of the refrigerator and then walked along that space.    This just reinforces my fear of them getting into the attic.  They hadn’t up to this point but after last night I am certainly not taking the chance.

My plans for the rest of today will be to clean the house.  I have been leaving a trail of crumbs and I don’t want to get back into the habit of doing that.  I also notice what I can only guess is from the inside of the spring mattress under the bed.  I am guessing princess Tiger did it.  Something my sister reminded me to do.  IF and when the mattress comes I will need to spray it with that deterrent before we place it on the bed frame. 

I also am thinking I want to clean out the car before starting back to work next week.  Get rid of papers, wash or clean the seats etc.  I need to get gas really soon. 

I have some thank you notes to write and a sympathy card to send to the family of one of my journaling group friends.  He died on Christmas day from covid.

As I mentioned earlier Saturday Liz and I will go price the furniture that is needed to buy.  After that I am not sure what I am doing.

Right now my legs are starting to get numb.  So I am going to sleep for several hours.

 

It is now after 8 am.  I managed to sleep until 5:30 this morning.  I did actually ignore the alarms but got up when the cats started getting impatient.  I fed them and went back to bed. Unfortunately the alarms were still going off and I figured it would stop on its own.  Note to self:  don’t do that on Monday.

Usually most mornings I watch TV but decided to catch up on blog writing, and cull the emails I have still left in the inboxes.  The cats of course are under the covers or sitting on top of the covers.  I am not sure how long I will be sitting here but as I mentioned earlier I want to do some things.

I think I will have to get to the outdoor chores early as the weather is going to change some point today.  It’s going to have some sun this morning and by the end of the day the clouds are moving in and rain coming in tonight. The weekend will be rainy. 

Well I will check in with you later…..

Peaceful Morning

I am having a very slow start to the day.  It’s cloudy and 72 degrees right now and is expected to get in the mid-80s.  It might get really sticky weather wise. 

I probably should take a walk before it does get too humid.  I have already cancelled today’s class.   I have until 4 to get there.  It actually closes at 5 and in order for me to do cardio I would need an hour.

There are a lot of posts and shared posts of the various displays across the city and even in the blogosphere.  They looked great.  What I don’t get is when people see the videos they ask?  When, where?   Followed by I thought they were cancelled.  Well hello?   Wouldn’t you think it would be from privately citizens (that’s an oxymoron).  There are also lots of posts condemning those who are shooting them off on behalf of their pets.  I am not heartless but you know they go off this time of year.  You all need to prepare for it.  If I had a dog or the cats really objected (I couldn’t tell if I tried) then I probably would.  I was annoyed they were still going off after 10.

I just did ask myself why do we set them off and this article pretty much explains it.  Forest Wickman says there are many reasons besides tradition but then it also points there are firework haters.  I don’t necessarily hate them I do get nervous at the loud noise at times.  I sometimes get worried that if neighbors decide to shoot them off in their back yard and one happens to stray on to say my garage I don’t think I would be happy.   I also feel bad for the animals that it does affect.  Even the wild animals will be affected.

Played Words with Friends both versions and did pretty well but I am still finding myself getting frustrated with the various ads that turn into downloading some app for something.  It’s a weather app and I have one already thank you.  I keep thinking all the games are related and it seems that if you are playing on Messenger it’s not the same as in the apps.  I am still trying to get to play with Mama on the apps but it says I have nudged them and still waiting.  Yet in the Messenger she is playing.  It looks like once you start playing on messenger you can’t use messenger to contact anyone else.  It is very frustrating.  All these I consider problems take away the fun of playing.

I do need to get a few things at the store and then pay the bills that need to be paid.  These would be the car tax, property borough taxes, and I think that’s it.  I totally forgot the car payment.  I sent it out Friday I hope it gets there soon.

I am hoping I get a schedule soon.  Unfortunately Supervisor Bob is off until tomorrow.  I sent him an email letting him know I took the Harassment in the work place class.  The embracing change one is on Wednesday.  I have to be sure to focus.  They won’t see us or we won’t see them.  I will apparently be doing some writing (crap.)

Well its lunch time and I need to run some errands.  I keep getting prescription ready alerts from the pharmacy.

 

.

Dear Debra

Dear Debra:

    Just wanted to thank you again for tonight.  Thank you for so many things.  I wanted to share with you something I hope will guide me these next several days.  So many things came through my head as I was driving home tonight.

How can I best react to things?  Without getting angry or exasperated?  The first was to breath.  TAke it as it was meant and don’t find offense (many things we have spoken of).  I was listening to an NPR interview with a musician who was named best artist of 2018.  The woman whom i never heard of was pointing out how she is so much a perfectionist and when things don’t go the way she wants she feels like  a failure, or a disappointment.  So many things i have related to and sometimes that is so dangerous when we listen to interviews. We find ourselves aligning with them. 

Anyway the point of this rambling is that I  have thought a lot of things for this week.  I hope to put them to use.

The drive was not bad through Long wharf like it has in the past but i attribute that to the city almost emptied.  However that wasn’t the cast in through West Haven.  There had been an accident but by the time I came through it was cleared out.  This rain is not easy to drive in.  You can’t always see the lanes or the painted lines on the ground. 

I decided to go to Christmas Tree Shop in Orange and get Christmas Cards.  Boy did I ever.  There was a huge bin just as I walked in and I think I got about 20 of them.  All about $4 and change. I also saw metal cars in a package I think about 6 of them i bought 4 of these.  I ended up spending just over a Hundred dollars on it.  I should be able to get christmas cards to all my contact lists. Now!

It was just before 7 when i got home.  I came in fed the cats and watched the end of Charmed on POP TV channel.  I checked my mail and found some more really cute cards (a second one from Diane and Rogier) so those will be replied to soon.

Now i am surrounded by the Christmas cards, and have music on in the background.  I have had some coffee and will start on the cards.   If I do it right I may even send some to my pen pals and include letters to them.  Your idea about going to the Post office in the morning is sounding much better along with the shopping.

Well I better get going before my renewed energy dissolves!

A slow day

I got to work just about 8 Friday  morning and jumped right into the scanning session and was finished by 10.  Since I started this morning a few more (according to AC) came in and so AC will wait until MOnday to do them.  We discussed the need for scanners but we are  going through a lull right now it seems.  The same for the refunds .  The stuff that is coming in is already done (by AC) and JT.  AC says not to worry if I jump into the scanning (this is also for the future).

I spent the rest of the morning making up the labels for  the re address mail. It is always time consuming as I  have to look up the addresses in the directory and other places if I can’t find it.  I continued to do it well into the afternoon after the mail was done.

The mail was done by mid afternoon and someone questioned me as to why i did the mail when i should have been scanning.  I explained we were caught up.  Too bad.  I think we are falling back into dangerous habits again.  

The slow pace also allowed me to work on my budget for 2018.  I have no idea if will work but at this point it can’t hurt.  I basically filled in the constant amounts and what i think might be.  If the amounts aren’t the exact that I Have i can change them.   

I did the weekly grocery shopping after work.  I went to the Stop and Shop in West Haven by the old Armstrong Rubber company.  I ran into an old classmate of mine from HS who also worked at Yale (I have no idea where he is now) but we talked about classmates and an old friend of mine named Toby.  He was under the impression that Toby had died in the same crash as my friend Tim.  i explained to him he didn’t.  I tried to look for it on the net but couldn’t find it.

I was at Stop and shop for an hour and got everything on the list and even a few extra things.  It took me an hour. I guess that is a good thing because I don’t understand how grocery shopping can be longer than that.

I got home around 6 and relaxed.  Sky was getting impatient and wanted to have some kibble.  I made myself some dinner.  I had one of the steaks that i just bought and some of the fresher yogurts.  I ended up having three of those before the night was out.

I didn’t spend a lot of time online nor did I spend a lot of time watching TV last night.  I ended up very tired and got ready for bed.  Sent the dryer, and the dishwasher going and will empty them tomorrow.

I decided that I will get the roast beef started around noon and it should be ready (as liz said to me) by dinner time Sunday.  It doesn’t have a lot of ingredients and it seems simple.   

Well I need to go to bed see you .

Labor Day 2017

Happy Labor Day 2017 to all those who work hard and make things possible in our world.

I have been fairly busy (I would like to think I was).  I was able to wake up around 6 (second time this long weekend) but I didn’t sleep well and there was a party going on across the street-again. 

We had our regular Monday morning routine but I slept again until 8.  I got on line for a while.  I did some solitaire games.  Worked on pen pal letters and files.  Got some more laundry wrapped up.

After I did that I got ready to go the stores.   I had gotten my swap partner and the instructions and list of items.  I took off for Staples first and got some items that I use for pen paling, then off to Wal*mart and Joanne’s for stuff (more fall related items).  My final two spots were the Pharmacy and then Adams to get lunch.

When I got home I took my prednisone and then had lunch.  I watched some travel shows on the newly revamped CPTV Spirit channel.

Now I just want to take another nap. I really do but I have still many things to do.

I had a pleasant surprise last night.  Tiger slept on the bed last night.  Twice.  The first time she went up by herself and kept herself by my feet.  She allowed me to pet her and then she laid down for an hour and half.  It was about then when I needed to make a bathroom run and I patted her on the head and she took off.  Then second after I came down here to be with her I managed to coax her up to the bedroom and she stayed for a while.  I don’t really know as I fell asleep finally after the neighbors’ party.

Right now though I need to organize the new files I will be having for pals (I hope).

Why SHould I be tired?

It is after 6 pm and I am finding it a little hard to keep my eyes open.  When I left you this morning i was about to do some shopping at Jessica London clothing site.  Well by Noon I managed to get two capri’s and  white a blouse and all for $63 and change.  They should be here a week from this Tuesday.    

Once I did that i called Mama Joanie in Oxford.  We have been catching up with the week long activities.  I told her about my upcoming trip to Florida and my changed plans to meet up with Cousin Joe when he comes east with Floyd.  We had ot play telephone tag when we got disconnected.    When we hung up we promised to speak again.  I am going to try to call her before I leave for my trip.

I also had made phone call to the livery service that i will be using for the trip but they must have been closed for the holiday... i will call them tomorrow during work.  I am probably will have them reserved for 4 pm that evening and of course quarter of 12 on the return trip.

Around 12:30 I got a text from Liz inviting me to her house for an impromptu cookout around 2.  So I got showered and dressed and checked the sauce for the third or 4th time and stirred it and then left just before 2 and got a cake at Stop and Shop.  I got there a litter after and found My niece and her husband and a couple of her children were there along with my Nephew Nel jr and Nelson 3.  Apparently nelson 3 has been very hyper today.  

WE had hamburgers, hot dogs, and rice and beans, and of course the cake.  Conversations were pretty good.  Liz and I had some time to chat before I headed home and she had her nap.  She kind of warned me about things with the Ladies guild.  I think I was able to express things to her without any resentment or anger.  By the time I left it was 4.

Since I have been home I put the sauce in a bag and cleaned up the crock pot and straightened the kitchen.  I also refilled the kibble container.  I have also been watching TV.  

I am just waiting for TIger to get up from her nap and join SKy to play around until i go to bed.  I have to fill their bowl shortly.  

I think I better get the laundry finished and then get some stuff straightened up for the week.

First day of my spring vacation

It is the first day of my spring vacation and I nearly flooded the kitchen, bathroom and cellar.  I have been up since 5:30 but been awake since 4:30.  I was soaking some clothes and forgot to turn the faucet off and while I was showering it flooded the bathroom, kitchen and there is a huge (not a deep) puddle in the basement.  I borrowed some extension cords from a neighbor and have the dehumidifier going.  I opened the windows to see if that would help but closed them after an hour.  The cellar floor is almost dry but still needs to more time.  The kitchen floor is all dry in obvious places.  The bathroom is dry too that I can see.  It clumped the litter that was tossed on to the floor by the fur babes.  I will have to clear out under the sink as well. 

I have done some laundry including all the towels I used to soak up the water.  I have more to do and will do it as the rest of the afternoon passes.

I dropped the car off a little after 7 and enjoyed the walk back.  It was a bit breezy and a little sunny.  Around 9:30 I got the call it was all ready and I went back to get it.  I came back and had some breakfast and added to the already growing pile of dishes in the sink.  No worries they are heading into the dishwasher soon.   

I delivered the birdhouses to the two elementary schools and had a little visit with her and then came home had lunch and then headed to the other school.  It was a really short visit at that one. 

I went to TJ MAXX and bought new bed linens for the guest room and that included a couple of new pillows (I am worried that the extra pillow cases I bought won’t fit).  I put them up on the bed to be put on closer to Roberta and Michael’s arrival on Monday. 

After that I went to the credit union (the teller was incredulous that I was not earning enough on my accounts) just deposit the freaking coin into the account please. I headed home after that.

Since I have been home checked the cellar and there was still some water on the floor.  I called my neighbor to ask if I could still use her cords and they didn’t mind (they had other things occupying their time).  Surfed the net and spent some one on one time with Miss Tiger.  She is currently sitting above me on the sofa. 

Cleaned the kitchen and restocked the dishwasher and will send it through before going to bed.  

I see LOTR second installment is on tonight you know I am going to watch it.

 

 

Another "last couple of days" post

As you all know I love rainy nights that I don’t have go out.  I usually get into my pajamas and curl up in bed and watch TV or get on the computer or both.  I got to do it last night.  Leaving lots of stuff to do for today.

The kitties ran around like maniacs again.  They were sleeping on the bed a few times last night.  I think my cough spasm scared them.  They came back later.  After that I fell asleep.

Today I got up around 6 and got the cats fed and relaxed until it was time for my hair appointment. I made a stop to the new Dunkin Donuts that opened up by Citizen’s Bank in Orange got a sandwich and then headed to the salon.  Chatted with Marianne, then Karen got me set up and we began the process.  By noon I was finished.  I Have a couple of pictures that just seem to not post anywhere i want them too.  After that I came to see Preston and Vlad.  Sat with them for twenty minutes and then tried to set up my laptop.  Can’t seem to access their internet so will be using their computers.  Probably could just do word processing on mine.  It took me some time to access my sites and passwords.

After I left here I headed to Wal*Mart, picked up some stuff for home, went to Stop and shop to get the rest of the ingredients for the cheese cake.  Talked with my sister she likes the hair change but is worried about the face.  The rosacea showed up in the pictures again.  While I was in Stop and Shop we had a snow squall.  No accumulation and didn’t last long either.

I went back to my house dropped the stuff off.  Put a load of laundry.  Will finish in the morning.  Refilled kibble for the night, cleaned out litter boxes.  Spent time with the kitties and then headed back here.  

Took Preston for his walk and fed them both and we have been relaxing in front of the tv.  Preston did very well today..he said next to me when I got here the first time after about an hour.  He was very cuddly and so was Vlad.  Now he is sitting in the livingroom and not sure where Vlad is.  They both tried to eat my chicken dinner.  I haven’t found the spray bottle for Vlad.

I had a lovely phone call from my great Niece Audrey. She got a new phone today as a reward for great grades.  We talked about school, Christmas, New Years, and had the same conversation with Jason.  He sounds so much like his Father Chris.  

The rest of the night I spent watching TV Saw Twilight Breaking dawn..it was getting intense near the end..didn’t see all of it yet.  

I am getting tired now.  I really have a lot to do before going to Liz’s tomorrow.  

It's snowing

It came sometime after sundown. My sister called me to see what I wanted earlier today but she was sleeping. She was noticing she was doing a lot of sleeping and I told her there is nothing wrong with that.

I tried to take a picture of the snow from the back room but it came out dark (no flakes showing in the outside light). I checked a time or two and it seemed to subside then I checked in my familiar place. It is the street lamp on New Haven avenue at the end of our street. You can always tell if its raining or snowing in the light.

Today was a normal Sunday. I relaxed and waited for the laptop to finish its update (it hasn't of this writing). I watched TV for sometime and then around 11 I decided I would do the shopping as I kept hearing the news about the "snow event". The sky was turning a light sunny gray and getting cold to boot.

My first stop to get gas but the second was to Wal*Mart. Yes Wal*Mart. I got most of my groceries and cleaning supplies there. I have kept joking to everyone who knows me that if you hear thunder that's Mom expressing her displeasure at my decision to go there. Anyone who knows me and her knows she wasn't a fan of Wal*Mart and their labor practices. I did have to go to Stop and shop for fruit, meat, and salads. but I think I would have spent the exact amount I did at Wal*Mart at Shop Rite or Stop and shop well maybe not today...it would have been more.

After shopping I came home emptied out the car and made lunch and watched TV until it was time for me to go to Nursing home for bingo.

Bingo went well we had just about 18 residents and most if not all one. Actually the same few people won today. They did have to be reminded that they needed to not keep talking. I was glad Bob was there. We did get to catch up with each other. Our holiday plans, work, etc.

It was nearly 3:30 or so when I got home. I was really tired and I still had to do the cheese cake. I decided to put PBS on (most are still doing their end of year fundraising and CPTV has been airing the Downton Abbey marathon that is just finishing up with the last ep). I took a brief nap.

At some point I started getting up and getting things ready for the cheesecake. It looks good and a little mushed. It looked very well mixed this time. i think I should have just wrapped the top up with Aluminum foil. The lid that went with it still didn't close it over it fully. All that needs to be done is to clean up the kitchen. I still have to finish emptying the dishwasher and putting the dishes in the dishwasher.

The kitties have been sleeping mostly. A few times Sky made it known he wanted to go into the cellar on more than one occasion. I did let him down when I had to put the equipment I was using away. I think Tiger spent most of the afternoon until about an hour ago in my old bedroom. I had gone in there to do some things with the computer. I think they are waiting for me to fill up their kibble.

Oh they will have a new water bowl very soon. Yesterday i received a brand new Water fountain for the kitties from their Uncle Jim. It is completely metallic and I am interested in seeing what their reaction is.

I still have to wrap the Yankee swap gift for tomorrow's meeting. It is a UCONN throw that I am hoping T will like. I also got three little tree ornaments for three of my great neices and nephews. each has the name of the ones I got. I still have more to do.

I almost forgot that I had laundry to do for work. I may need to get more coffee so I can do the wrapping and cleaning the kitchen.

• Mood

  drained

• Location

  United States, connecticut, Milford

• Tags (change):

  activities, grocery shopping, house cleaning, nursing home, shopping, sunday, volunteering, weather, weekend

Enjoyable Afternoon

The Gift Delivery was pretty good.  Since it was our first time doing it at the new place (new for us).  There were some “hiccups”.  There was some question as to what would or could be given out.  The young man there a bit confusing us in directions.  Again it was suggested by our alumni that hats and socks be the only choices next year.  I couldn’t agree more.  It’s a waste of time and money on our part if we can’t give the stuff out (it was cologne, toiletries).  After the activity R, T, M and I went out to lunch.

WE followed T while she dropped one of the girls off at Private Community off of E. Rutland Road.  It had been a long time since I had been there and we have had friends over the years live there.  It was beautiful.  Then we went to Mama Teresa’s for lunch.

We spent the next hour and half eating and talking and laughing about stuff.  We talked about travel and life in general.  It was a lot of fun.  I got home about 2:30-3.

I called Liz to let her know  I was still going to be later than planned for me to pick up stuff for today’s  Luncheon but as a result I got an invite to pizza party (for 4) for my nephew’s birthday (he is 41).  So this allowed me to relax for a bit and take care of stuff.

Around 4 I got a phone call from my friend Nancy to discuss the details of the week.  We discussed feeding times, walks, and new tenants and security stuff.  She asked what my plans were and I gave her my itinerary and that I would have to check in on the cats and stuff.  The whole thing didn’t take long.

After the call I manage to relax for a bit longer and then went to the store for cards and then headed over to my sister’s house.  They were full card game mode when I got there.  We chatted and almost got sassy with each other and Liz apologized later.  She has a habit of saying things to me that are unkind.  Like all siblings do I would imagine.  After we ate I headed out to the mall for shopping.

I didn’t go far and didn’t shop for long.  I started off at Target and saw nothing I liked as far as coloring books and stickers for the kids.  I then headed to Dicks for a gift card for Chris’s son.  I realized I had to get gift cards back at target and got them.  Including the I-Tunes for Jim’s kids.

After that I headed to Michael’s Art Supplies (I am sure there are many near anyone who reads this) again I wasn’t all that enthusiastic with the volume of coloring books but I managed to get several for $1.  I did get some stickers and felt stickers.  I am probably going to split the stickers up in between all of them.  I won’t do that until its closer to the day. 

Since I decided I wasn’t going to participate in the ornament swap I decided to skip Pier one and headed home.  I also decided that the rest of the gift cards would be bought on the way home from the luncheon or in the next few days.

I have to get some gift cards from the bookstore, Wholefoods and Macy’s, and Chefs, and Old Navy.  I just remembered I need to go to Lowes or Home depot.  The rest of the older kids in the R branch aren’t getting gifts this year (not because I don’t want to do but Liz has been pushing me not to have to do it).  The ones for Macy’s and Whole foods and bookstores are for the P branch of the tree.

When I got home the kitties were roaming around and so I cleaned the kitchen up a little took care of the litterboxes and swept the bathroom up (a lot of good that did).  Watched a little of the NCIS marathon and the end of WOZ then went to bed.

It was a while before I got to sleep though.  I was sniffling, and my neck was bothering me and I was coughing (not a good sign).  I took meds and eventually had no problem sleeping.  That would explain my need to sleep more today. 

When I got up it was almost 6:30.  The kitties were very patient I thought.  I got up did the regular routine, got them fed and had coffee and went back to sleep on the couch until 9:30. 

I am keeping my eye on the clocks so I am not late to Cheryl’s.  I will do the cards later though I just feel like relaxing and doing some more sleeping.  I think that could be the Zyrtek.

Well that’s all the news for now…have a great day.

The Weekend Before Christmas

It is the weekend before Christmas and I haven’t done much shopping except for a few things and cards and stamps.  I tried to do some of the cards last night but I found the ones I know I had already done not even with notes in the various places written.  It got to be so frustrating that I kept getting distracted and now they are just sitting here to continue.  Next year has got to be different.  Anyway after the gift delivery and picking up stuff from Liz for tomorrow I will do some shopping.  Even do marathon shopping for the next few days.

Yesterday was our office luncheon catered by Bourassa’s in Wallingford.  The buffet table was on in the foyer (of the office) and there were tables in the waiting area and boardroom.  There was salads, breads, main entrees were penne ala vodka, eggplant rollattini, and chicken dish.  Desserts were cookies.  The gift they gave this year was a canvas bag with the Yale Logo on it.  It was very nice.  I took a picture of a co-worker dressed as an elf and posted it on Facebook too.  Last year she dressed as a Christmas tree.

I ran into KT when she walked by my cubicle yesterday and we talked about the news about Chris and Jennifer and she has known about a week or so when Chris told her he was going to propose.  We squealed and hugged and some people thought we were probably nuts.  Later on in the day she came to me and said Jennifer posted the announcement and I shouted and probably a good chance I will get spoken to about it.  Of course I shared the announcement on Facebook. 

I was trying to contact Jim yesterday but he was in the middle of job hunting/filling out applications.  I haven’t heard how he did with it but I have a message to him.  He is probably sleeping at the moment.  I did call Kris on the way home last night to get hir address but again haven’t heard from hir either.

Liz called me suggesting that with all the time off I have that maybe I should go down and visit Jim.  Of course she forgot that I am housesitting for the entire week.  Something she totally forgot about.  It happens especially with the MS.  I was chatting with her while writing this and we were talking about              tomorrow’s Luncheon at her daughters.  I have to pick up her stuff this afternoon as she won’t be going this year.

I went to the post office yesterday and found two cards/letter in my box.  They were from Linda in WV and Connie in TX.  I spoke with Connie last night (she did what I usually do-forgot to sign it) and we chatted briefly.  I  sent a message  to Linda this morning and told her I got her letter.

Now I have to start getting ready for the day with no real list yet. 

I am really struggling with the Holidays

I am still working earlier entries but I wanted to get this one done.  That being said this holiday has once again came too quickly.  I have not done a lot with the Christmas cards except send out three and started the labels.  I have so much to do and a lot of things going on all at once. 

I was able to get the gift for the club party tomorrow and was able to get the contribution to the food.  It was wings and T approved of it.  I am never sure how much to get.    The only thing is they nearly fell all over T.  The party went well and there was a lot of food.  The meeting went well too.   We have three Christmas activities this coming weekend.  Two sing-a-longs and one gift delivery all at the nursing homes.  Two are at the same nursing home we have been associated with and one with the newest nursing home we did the Veteran’s day Service for.

 The office Christmas Party that Nicole organized was last night.  She has invited friends outside of the office as well.  She gave us the option to invite others but I didn’t because I didn’t know DO’s schedule or JK’s.  We got to see people we haven’t seen in quite some time.  The facility is owned by a former co-worker Dani.  She and her sister own Birchwood at Oakland in Woodbridge.  The food was awesome.  From the Appetizers to the main entrees to the dessert.  The music was great but I didn’t dance.  I was finding it had to breathe and the walk from the car was also hard.  I sat with some lovely ladies I work with and it was fun.

Of course I almost didn’t get to go last night.  For some reason my eye was all red.  My boss noticed it and asked me and I didn’t know a few of us thought it may have been pink eye.  However, I made an appoint to see the doctor and had it checked it out and it seem it was an irritation and I have to use the Refresh for a few days.  If it doesn’t go away they want me to see an eye doctor.  I think its better.

There is a luncheon on the 18^th at the office.  Last year we got to sit down all over the place (boardroom and lobby).  We usually get a nice gift.  Not sure what It will be this year but I am sure it will be useful.

My sister invited me to the KofC (not the restaurant) Christmas party for Friday the 11^th.  I don’t have to do much except pay her for the ticket.  It’s my third or 4^th time attending the wonderful party. 

I was invited to the literary club’s holiday party scheduled for the 10^th and I need to get a cookie or dessert and something else for that day.  I will have to figure it out over the weekend and beginning of the week.

Yesterday I got the invitation to Cheryl’s holiday Luncheon for the 20^th.  We will have an ornament exchange, cookie exchange and Hors d'uvre (Mom would jokingly call them horsy doovers)

I don’t know if I will be getting to the cards this weekend as I have a full weekend with the bridal shower, the sing-a-long, and Volunteering and the Mexican Train Game on Sunday.

Well I am going to relax for a bit before I have to get ready for the shower.  I also have to get the gift sort of wrapped (put in the bag) and do the card. 

It’s rather chilly right now I can see the frost on the car but it is supposed to get warmer today.

Feeling accomplished

I have to say I am feeling pretty good despite the lack of sleep I had last night.  Yesterday I felt like I got a lot done.  I managed to finally get Birthday cards both belated and otherwise out to family members and I paid some bills and got some Christmas shopping done.  The downside was by 6:30 I was done.  I have a feeling the arthritis was kicking it up a notch.  I didn’t get any more Christmas cards done but there is tonight.

I had a good session with Debra yesterday.  We discussed my health and how much better I looked and feel.  We discussed the accomplishments and of course we discussed the holidays.  This session was the last one for 2014.  The next time we see each other is January 6.   It always seems like for ever.  As usual I will be writing letters or at least attempting to writer her during the break.  In the past I haven’t followed through on it.

Liz called me yesterday.  The dinner plans have changed for tonight.  Instead of dinner at the Casa Rivera it will be at 5:30 at Scribners.  Chris and his Girl Jenn will be there as it is her birthday on Friday so I will need to pick up a card on the way home.  Luckily I had an extra Instant scratch card available so I can give that to her.  I will just have to remember to get another one for Mike JR as his birthday gets closer.

I received a lovely card from Nelson’s sister Marion last night.  I have to get those done tonight or in the next few days.  It all depends on how I feel when I get home.  Yes I know I said at the beginning I will do them tonight but I get tired when I get home.

Well I think I better get going I have still a lot to do and have errands to run at lunch.  I probably won’t be posting tonight after I get this posted...